HOBOKEN, N.J. – Harvard Medical School researcher Pieter Cohen on Tuesday called on the Food and Drug Administration to swiftly crack down on supplements containing Acacia rigidula, which has been found to contain an amphetamine isomer BMPEA. According to the research, 52.4% (11 of 21) of Acacia rigdula supplements contained the isomer at dosages ranging up to 93.7 mg per day. "The FDA should immediately warn consumers about BMPEA and take aggressive enforcement action to eliminate BMPEA in dietary supplements," Cohen wrote in the medical journal Drug Testing and Analysis.

"Consumers of Acacia rigidula supplements may be exposed to pharmacological dosages of an amphetamine isomer that lacks evidence of safety in humans," Cohen said.

“We share the concerns of Dr. Pieter Cohen and his study co-authors regarding BMPEA, an amphetamine isomer stimulant that should not be used in dietary supplement products because it is a synthetic drug-like substance, not a dietary ingredient," commented Steve Mister president and CEO for the Council for Responsible Nutrition. "Given FDA’s earlier findings combined with this new study by Dr. Cohen, we urge FDA to take immediate enforcement action against these adulterated products containing BMPEA and the companies illegally spiking these products with this synthetic drug."

FDA first raised the issue of Acacia rigidula supplements adulterated with BMPEA in an article published by the agency in 2014 in the Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, noting that the amine compound is not found in the Acacia rigidula plant, Mister noted.

MT. KISCO, N.Y. — The Independent Pharmacy Alliance, a trade group and retail pharmacy buying cooperative representing more than 3,000 independent pharmacies in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania, will endorse ImmuDyne's full line of INR Wellness immune support products.

"I have been using INR Wellness for more than 10 years and my enhanced immune system has protected me beyond all my expectations," stated John Giampolo, IPA president. "You may recall that about 10 years ago, IPA launched a complex vitamin program to complement your patients' particular disease states. During the educational process to over 600 IPA members provided by many PhD nutritional experts, I discovered ImmuDyne and how its preventative impact affected me. I can highly recommend this product for all members, their families and their patients. Because of my experience, IPA has contracted with ImmuDyne at very special and affordable pricing. Your patients will surely appreciate your care when their resistance to seasonal illness improves."

"We appreciate the endorsement from IPA," said Mark McLaughlin, ImmuDyne president and CEO. "We can do a lot of good for the 3,000 independent pharmacies served by IPA, in the New York, New Jersey markets."

"Millions of American suffer from a suppressed immune system," said Todd Goldman, ImmuDyne SVP. "Immune responses are many times depressed by various external influences including emotional stress, physical stressors such as inadequate sleep or athletic overtraining, environmental and occupational chemical exposure, UV and other types of radiation, common viral or bacterial infections, certain drug therapies, blood transfusions and operations. The human immune system is highly complex and important to our well-being. A strong and balanced immune system is required for health maintenance. Studies show by using ImmuDyne's beta glucan, it is possible to help restore an immune system imbalance or weakness."

Kimberly-Clark introduces latest in incontinence wear

DALLAS — Kimberly-Clark on Monday introduced the new Depend Silhouette Active Fit briefs, a moderate-absorbency brief featuring a thin design for complete comfort and an underwear-like look, fit and feel. A category first, this new product is available in beige and black colors. The launch of Silhouette Active Fit briefs comes in the 2nd year of Underwareness – the largest effort to date, created by Depend, to help break down the stigma surrounding bladder leakage while supporting the millions of people who experience it.

“For the past 31 years, the Depend brand has led the incontinence category by introducing product innovations and dignified solutions that continuously help meet consumers’ needs and help manage their bladder leakage,” said Elizabeth Metz, Depend brand director, Kimberly-Clark. “With the launch of new Silhouette Active Fit briefs, we want to give women who experience bladder leakage the comfort, protection and confidence they deserve and we’re thrilled to be able to offer yet another product that helps them live a vibrant, fulfilled life.”

The launch of Silhouette Active Fit briefs in year two of Underwareness includes support from renowned fashion expert Carson Kressley, entertainer and celebrity television host Sheryl Underwood and talk show host and practicing urologist Jennifer Berman. They, along with the Depend brand, will encourage consumers to experience the difference of Silhouette Active Fit briefs and show their support for those experiencing bladder leakage by sharing photos and videos on social media using #Underwareness. For each share, the Depend brand will continue to donate $1, up to a cumulative total of $3 million through 2016, to The Simon Foundation for Continence and United Way Worldwide.

“I’m passionate about empowering women to feel their best by helping them feel confident in what they’re wearing,” said Kressley. “Women with bladder leakage will be thrilled to learn about Depend Silhouette Active Fit briefs because the product is smooth under clothes – whether that’s a pair of yoga pants at the gym, a pencil skirt for work or a dress for date night.”

Underwood will support the second year of Underwareness by continuing to share her personal experience with bladder leakage and encouraging other women with the condition to try Silhouette Active Fit briefs.

“It’s time people realize that bladder leakage doesn’t mean you have to live a hidden or inactive lifestyle. Look at me as an example – by using Depend products, I feel feminine and free, I’m able to walk the red carpet, I exercise regularly and I work on TV and radio shows without slowing down,” said Underwood. “And I’m so excited Depend Silhouette Active Fit briefs come in black and beige colors – I’ve been dreaming of a product like this for years, because it’s comfortable and it looks like real underwear.”

The launch of Depend Silhouette Active Fit briefs and year two of Underwareness commercial program includes a robust digital presence, a top-tier presence at BlogHer 2015, TV advertising, digital partnerships, product sampling and retail support.

Schnucks said that using Rochester, N.Y.-based PharmaSmart’s technology would help drive Medicare Star Ratings objectives, including adherence for hypertension and blood pressure control, both of which are triple-weighted measures that national and regional insurers focus on.

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